In brief
A recent suspected 'rolling terror attack' in northern Israel has left two individuals dead—Shimon Mordechai, 68, and an 18-year-old stabbing victim, Aviv Maor. The assailant, who reportedly came from the West Bank village of Qabatiya, executed a ramming assault in Beit Shean before proceeding to stab a victim nearby. This incident follows increased violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and comes in the aftermath of heightened tensions post the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have condemned the attack and the IDF has been instructed to respond decisively.
Two people have been killed in what police say was a rolling terror attack in northern Israel.
Police stated that the attacker ran over a pedestrian in the eastern city of Beit Shean, then drove on before stabbing a woman near Ein Harod, approximately 8 miles (12.5km) to the west. The suspect was eventually shot and wounded by a civilian outside the city of Afula, according to police.
Shimshon Mordechai, a 68-year-old man, was killed and a 16-year-old boy was hurt in Friday's ramming incident, while the stabbing victim was identified as Aviv Maor, aged 18.
A day prior to this attack, an Israeli reservist faced dismissal after a video surfaced showing him ramming a praying Palestinian with a quad bike.
The individual suspected of the attack originated from the village of Qabatiya in the northern occupied West Bank, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed.
In response to the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced preparations for an operation in Qabatiya, with Katz instructing them to act forcefully and immediately. Reports indicated that the suspect had crossed into Israeli territory illegally a few days prior.
Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and also praised the citizen who intervened to neutralize the assailant.
The event adds to the timeline of violence surrounding Israeli-Palestinian relations, particularly following the late 2023 Hamas attacks, which significantly increased hostilities, leading to extensive casualties on both sides. According to United Nations reports, over a thousand individuals have been killed in attacks on Palestinians, while Gaza has also faced severe casualties attributed to Israeli actions since the conflict escalated.
